Not *just* murder

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Gary man charged with killing, burying woman

Thursday, May 31, 2007 12:57 AM CDT

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BY RUTHANN ROBINSON
rrobinson@nwitimes.com
219.662.5331

CROWN POINT | A 21-year-old Gary man accused of bludgeoning a woman to death and then burying her in his backyard was charged Wednesday with murder.

Louis Vela turned himself in and confessed Tuesday, which led investigators to the body of Tracy Parham, 34, police said.

Officers on Tuesday evening found her naked body wrapped in contractors garbage bags in a grave near the garage at Vela's home, 3856 Van Buren St.

Vela reportedly told police he was smoking crack with Parham on March 11, his 21st birthday. When Parham refused to have sex with him, he bashed her in the head with a lead crystal clock, police and prosecutors say in court records.

When Parham did not wake up, Vela took her to his room and had sex with her, according to the court records.

Parham's body remained in Vela's bedroom while Vela went with family members to Taco Bell and a movie in Portage to celebrate his birthday, court records allege.

Later, in the dark, Vela wrapped Parham in the large plastic bags and dug a grave for her near his backyard garage, police allege.

But when Vela's aunt took him to visit his mother in a nursing home Tuesday, Vela broke down and told the women he had killed someone on March 11, court records say. His aunt encouraged him to turn himself in and accompanied him to the Gary police station.

Vela led police through the home, pointing out objects that likely will become evidence, including bedding, the clock and the shovel with which he buried Parham, police said.

Vela was jailed without bond and faces a maximum sentence of 65 years.

Parham's daughter, Sierra Parham, 13, told The Times on Wednesday that nothing she hears about her mother and how she died will change how she feels.

""No matter what, she was always the sweetest person. She was always there for me and had my back and took care of me like she needed to,"" Sierra said.

Johnette Parham, the victim's mother, said even though she hadn't heard from Tracy Parham in more than two months, she didn't file a missing person's report, hoping her daughter ""went out of town with her boyfriend.""

""I was praying that was the situation,"" Johnette Parham said.

She said she learned about her daughter's death from one of Vela's family members Wednesday. She said she did not know Vela, but she is glad Vela's aunt encouraged him to do the right thing.

""I think that was very courageous and honorable of them,"" Johnette Parham said. ""I won't judge him; I'll let God judge him.""

It's like Tuesday and stuff

I'm sleepy.  Really, really sleepy.  Last night I couldn't sleep at all.  My mind kept going over and over the same stuff.  I didn't make any decisions or come to any conclusions.  I just sat there recycling garbage in my head.  Unfortunately, when all the recycling was done, I still had garbage.  Not right.  So sleepy. 

I remembered about 2 a.m. that the VP of our #1 distributor in Canada is coming today.  I wore a skirt and make-up.  I'm not sure if it balances out the bags under my eyes.  The coffee is helping.   I love coffee.  mmmmmmm coffee....  He's still not here yet.  I can't find my lipstick.  Normally I have 4 or 5 in my purse, but I only have 2 very dark ones in there right now.  Not exactly office wear.

I could really use some breakfast.  My snack drawer has no snacks.  I'm looking at tea, honey, lemonade packets and an applesauce.  Hmm.  I suppose applesauce is a snack, but I don't really think it goes with coffee.  I suppose I could go look in the breakroom and look hungry.  Someone is bound to pity me.  I pity me.  Of course I'm sleep deprived.

I am so glad to be out of Gary

This boy lived across the street from us and went to school with my nephew.  I knew he was slow, but I had no idea he was crazy.  His mama thought Louie  was the one good son she had.  She thought wrong. 

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Police find body buried in back yard of Gary home

Wednesday, May 30, 2007 8:46 AM CDT

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GARY, Ind. - Police found a woman's body buried 4 feet deep in a home's backyard after a man walked into the city police station, confessed to killing her and led officers to the spot.

An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday, said a spokesman for the Lake County Coroner. Police have not identified the woman whose body was found Tuesday and have not released the name of the man who led police to the body.

Relatives persuaded the 21-year-old man to go to the police station, Richardson said. He told detectives he had killed the woman March 11, wrapped her body in plastic and buried her.

Richardson arrested the man and said he expected to file murder charges Wednesday.

A service of the Associated Press(AP)

All's well that ends well

I can say that now because the situation is resolved.  This afternoon, I was not so feeling so understanding.  I was driving to pick up lunch for Alex.  As I was turning left, a semi took off my passenger side mirror.  I wasn't in a position to follow the guy so I completed my turn.  He slowed down and I thought he was going to stop.  By the time I got the truck turned around, he was gone.  I didn't get a license plate, but I did read the HUGE, GREEN LETTERS on the side of the truck. 

I didn't know what to do so I picked up Alex's lunch and took it to his school.  I was shaking cuz I was already hungry and then my sugar dropped even more.  I drank a regular Coke with my lunch, but the shakes didn't stop for almost an hour and half.  Finally, I get back to work and call the police to file a report.  They said they can't file one, but I can if I come down to the station.   Fine.

I got on Google and do a search for the HUGE, GREEN LETTERS and at first, I came up empty, but I am the Google Master.  Eventually I found the place and called them.  I told the lady what happened, she connected me to the manager, he went over my story and said he'd call me back.  I didn't believe it for a moment...  Sure enough, he called me back.  He found the truck that did it.  He's so sorry.  Can he come to look at the truck?  He showed up in 10 minutes and says they'll pay for it anywhere I take it.  I observe that if I take it to the dealership, it's going to cost him $300 or so.  He asked if one of their mechanics can fix it.  I agreed because I don't have money to put up right now.  The guy brought over a new mirror and stood out there in the rain and put it on my truck.  You'd never know the thing was broken.

So I don't have to file a police report, file a claim on my insurance, or go out of pocket.  This company was just awesome.  I am truly impressed.  I wish I needed a truckful of dirt because I'd surely buy it from them.

Ringleader of the Tormentors

Tonight's the night.  I'm gonna go see Morrissey. I love Morrissey as much as I love really good cheesecake. 

I've been bouncing around the office dancing.  They roll their eyes, but I don't care.  Think I'm embarrassed?  Surely you know better. 

I am SO GLAD that I don't have to drive.  I was really worried about it because the whole Texas highway system is poorly designed, poorly labled and jam packed.  I love to drive everywhere but Texas.  Messed up, huh?

Anywhoo...back to dancing.

Am I ugly enough, I said am I UGLY enough...Am I ugly enough for the cover of Rolling Stone?

Hell no.  The man is HOT.  Rock'n'Roll hot.  Older guy hot.  British hot.  Hot, hot, hot!!!

I am exhausted.  I have never loved and hated an event so much in my life.  We go there way early.  When they finally let us in, we were 4 people back from the rail.  This was a general admission show...no seats, just a sea of humanity.  We talked to all our neighbors and exchanged names and myspace info.  That part was a lot of fun.  Those of us who said our hellos looked out for each other during the show.  I promised to lock elbows with the guy to my left if anyone tried to wedge between us.

The opening act was some lady I'd never heard of.  She had a beautiful voice, a weird look and I couldn't understand a single word she sang.  The crowd applauded politely, but it was obvious that our hearts weren't in it.  She was easily flustered.  One guy screamed ""WE LOVE YOU........MORRISSEY"" and she lost what she was saying.  Poor thing.  They did that to her several times and she looked ready to cry at the end of her set.

By the time the bodies shifted, there was only one person between me and Morrissey.  The bodies continued to shift around me, but I held on to the rail for dear life.  I refused to yield my spot, which also shielded the lady in front of me so she and I became fast friends.  People kept trying to shove me out of the way with their hips.  HA!  I have ample hips that bore an 8 pound baby...they're stronger than some super-skinny white boy's.  Plus I have a low center of gravity.  HA! HA! I was rocked, but never moved from my spot. 

He sang all my favorites.  I about peed my pants during ""How Soon is Now""  And OH MY GOD!  That man has the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen.  I always thought the photographs were photo-shopped or something.  Nope.  The man just has the brightest, bluest, most brilliant eyes and they're so full of emotion.  I made eye contact thrice and just wanted to cry each time.  I reached for him a couple of times I didn't fear getting smooshed against the girl in front of me, but I just couldn't reach.  He sounded amazing.  He looked totally GQ in his 3 piece suit.  Not that it lasted long, but still HOT! 

I didn't get a piece of Morrissey's shirt, but I did get a guitar pick from the younger guitarist ...of course it's just a regular one.  It says ""Fender Heavy""  I wish it were personalized like Jon or Richie's, but I know where I got it so I'm happy.  When it fell on the floor I went down and reached for it and the ass behind me grabbed my arm.  Not being an amputee, I grabbed it with my other hand.  He looked dejected, but not apologetic when I stood up and shot him a look. 

I know I'm going to be sore tomorrow from all the pushing and pulling and manhandling.  Meh.  I was 5 feet from a true icon.  Fair enough.

apples, bananas, milk, pizza

I've got a lot on my brain.  Not all of it makes sense.  Here ya go:

I talked to mom tonight.  Eric is wearing his shoulder brace and it's much more comfortable than the sling he had.  He managed to put it on by himself by the time mom found her glasses to read the directions.  He has another appointment with the orthotist on June 1st, but mom says he's feeling a lot better.

When it rains, it pours.  They're coming out of the woodwork.  Feast or Famine.  Pick your cliche-- I've decided men have to be working with a Collective Mind of some sort.  I'm not sure how it works, but I don't doubt that it is at work.  In the past week, I've had two men I used to see message me out of the blue and hint around about getting back together.  They're both really nice men and neither relationship ended badly, but it's just weirding me out a little.  It's weird because each one happened as I was talking to someone new.  I'm talking the exact moment.  Freaky.  I'm going to have to change the noise on my text messages because the current one makes me nervous now. 

It seems I'm always overwhelmed by male attention when I've decided that I'm better off alone.  And then what will usually happen is that I'll start to enjoy the attention and they'll all lose interest at the same time--suddenly and without explanation.  Quite tiresome.  Then I'll be alone and unable to find a man to have a meal with me if I paid him.  Bad times.

I've dated men who work outside of The Collective, but never for long.  I think I must be too far under the influence of some other force.  I wish I knew what it was and how to break out of it...or maybe into it.  Either way, but this fringe thing isn't working.

I need a hobby.  I've said this dozens of times, but I can't find one that sticks.  I've tried to teach myself to knit.  I can't purl worth a damn.  If someone or their gramma can help me out, I'd surely appreciate it.  I've always wanted to learn to play guitar, but then I'd have to buy a guitar and pay for lessons.  If anyone knows of a good poor man's hobby, let me know.

I found a girl who wants to see Morrissey with me.  Yay!  That's all I really know about her, but that's enough.

I'm biting my nails again.  Stop me when you see it.

I need money to send my child to see his grandparents.  I'm dialing for dollars.  Throw some prayers and positive energy my way...or cash.  Yeah, you can always send me cash.  Mama is dying to see him so they can go have pedicures.  Alex told his other grandparents he wants to see them and they said they'd get back to us.  That was weeks ago and I haven't gotten a yes, no, or kiss-my-ass.  Their loss.

I think I've rambled enough for one night.  I'm glad I don't keep beer in the house. One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, four thousand.

It didn't *feel* like a day off

I feel totally drained.  I spent the day at Alex's school helping out with the Young Author's Conference.  I didn't know what to expect, but they left me in a classroom to supervise a scavenger hunt for pages of a story.  The kids were so excited that they couldn't really listen to the clues or each other.  All of the groups found all the pages, got them in order and read the story before time was up.  I'm not sure why I'm so tired when they did all the work, but I'm getting ready to take a nap. 

I was going to eat in the cafeteria until I saw the crap sandwiches they had.  Instead I ordered pizza for Alex's group.  I got a discount when I called Papa John's to ask how many pizzas would feed 11 kids and told him I'd order online.  I don't know what kind of deal they have worked out, but he really wanted my phone order.  I told Alex to keep it on the low, but I didn't mention it to the other kids who stood up and yelled to their friends.  ""Hey!  We got pizza!  No!  Stay over there you can't have none!""  Darn kids.  So bad, yet so funny. 

Oh, each of the kids made a book with stories or poems.  I only ordered one because I didn't think of the grandparents.  I bet they'd really like one too...these books are so cute.  On the inside back cover there's a picture of Alex and ""about the author"" section.  I'll see if I can scan it at work and make it a powerpoint presentation.

I was serious about that nap.  Have a great weekend!

Eric

I talked to mom tonight.  Eric fell last week and hurt his shoulder.  He had xrays and they told mom that if there was a problem they'd call her the next day.  They put a sling on him and sent them home.  He's been letting his arm droop so mom called the doctor to ask if it was normal.  The nurse tells her, ""Oh his shoulder has a fracture.""  A WEEK LATER!!! So mom's taking him in tomorrow to see a specialist to see what he needs.  Can you believe that nonsense?  A week! And if she hadn't called?!?   Ugh!

He hasn't complained at all though.  He kept telling the parents he was fine.  That boy has always had an amazing pain threshold.  It's as freaky as his crane machine skill. Call Mama for updates or I'll keep you posted.

So I go on my own and I leave on my own....

I have an extra Morrissey ticket for friday May 25th and I can't give the damn thing away. 

I swear I used to know a lot more freaks and weirdos.  Now my friends are all productive members of society who listens to Kelly Clarkson.    This deeply troubles me.

Cooties Conquered

My poor baby seemed worse yesterday, but woke up this morning feeling just fine.  He bounced back completely- no fever, no aches, no tummy rumbles.  He's back at school counting down to the last day.  Life is good.

It came out of nowhere

I dropped Alex off at PNO around 7:30 last night and he was on top of the world.  I picked him up right before 11:00 and his eyes were bloodshot and the bags under his eyes were flaming.  I offered to get him ice cream and he passed.  It was confirmed...my kid is sick. 

I took him home and medicated him and fed him, but his headache refused to go away and he woke up with it this morning.  I got new meds at Walmart and the cold symptoms are much, much better.  He refused to eat until about 1 p.m., but then he seemed fine.  The headache and a low-grade fever keep popping up, but the Motrin is keeping it in check.  Then around 6 he threw up.  He's been sleeping most of the day, but it's the restless kind.  

Of all the joys of motherhood, my baby being sick is the one thing that kills me. He's waking up again so I'll have to keep you posted.

I pity the fool

I took Alex to get a haircut and he went for the mohawk.  It's a two on the sides, not shaved.  He's so darn cute! I'll have to get him to pose for a pic, which won't be a problem.  He says his haircut adds to his looks and the ladies love it. That kid cracks me up...

Weekend movie review

This weekend Alex and I saw Spiderman 3.  Good stuff.  Not as good as the first 2, but not bad.  A little on the long side, but still not a very good job of introducing the new characters, even if you've read the comic books.  They made dark Peter Parker into an Emo Dork..I liked his eyeliner, but bleah.  There are some bonuses for us comic book nerds.  For a second I wondered why they were focusing on an old man and then I said ""Hey that's Stan Lee!""  Gotta love cameos.  We still give it  thumbs up because of the action scenes and kick-ass special effects...and cuz it's Spiderman.  

We also had free passes for ""Are We Done Yet?""  Alex liked it, but went to the bathroom in the middle, which he never does because he hates to miss anything.  He didn't miss much.  It's dollar show material at best.  Does anyone else remember when Ice Cube used to be hardcore?